Sports Sciences Commons^™

In This Issue 14:4, Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

In This Issue 14:4

The Perceived Benefits Of And Barriers To Open-Water Swimming: A Mixed-Methods Examination, David Elliott Ph.D, Mark A. Christie Ph.D

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

This study set out to determine the perceived benefits of, and barriers to, open-water swimming (OWS). Adopting a mixed-methods approach, six hundred and sixty-five open-water swimmers responded to an online survey consisting of the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS) and a series of open-ended questions. Data from the EBBS revealed the strongest perceived benefits to be ‘Psychological Outlook’ and ‘Life Enhancement.’ In terms of barriers, those presented in the EBBS received low ratings with only ‘Physical Exertion’ considered as being somewhat problematic. Content analysis performed on the open-ended responses showed social aspects, mental well-being, and connection to nature as …

Evaluation Of Online Information On The Cold Shock Response To Accidental Immersion In Cold Water, Adam Wilson, Heather Massey, Clare M. Eglin

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Many of the UK open water accidental deaths have been attributed to the initial responses to cold water immersion (CWI) collectively known as the cold shock response (CSR). The aim of this study was to analyse the publicly available internet information on CWI and CSR for accuracy and quality compared to the ‘gold standard’ published, peer-reviewed research. Seventy-eight webpages which provided information in English on unexpected CWI and CSR were evaluated. Webpages were accessible, widely available, and had appropriate readability scores. Webpage accuracy was suboptimal including only presenting on average 10 (range 3-16) CSR components out of 19. Quality of …

A Preventionist Framework For Reducing Drowning: A Case For Parenting Interventions, Miriam G. Clark, Linda Quan, Patricia Chamberlain

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Drowning is preventable but still claims the lives of over 300,000 people worldwide every year. The purpose of this theoretical review paper is threefold: 1) discuss the theoretical framework for a multi-faceted system of prevention; 2) discuss the importance of parenting, a crucial area where current drowning prevention research is falling short in this multi-faceted approach; and 3) discuss how evidence-based practices from psychosocial parenting research could be used to create drowning prevention interventions that support parents to implement water safety practices in their families. Practical ideas for integrating psychosocial parent interventions with drowning prevention knowledge are discussed. Such interventions …

The Supporting Role Of Physical Exercise In The Prevention And Treatment Of Neurodegenerative And Mental Diseases, Celestyna Grzywniak

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

The aim of the article is to draw attention to the possibility of using physical exercises in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, dementia as well as mental disorders, particularly depression. This article emphasizes the significance of physical exercise in stimulating the nervous system, including the glial cells, as well as their role in the production of proteins called myokines and myostatins belonging to cytokines. It briefly characterizes the most common neurotrophins in the human body including the BDNF and their role in stabilizing and treating neurodegenerative and mental diseases. It presents the secretory functions of skeletal …

Influence Of Marching Band Experience On Eating Disorder Risk And Perceived Stress In Collegiate Marching Artists, Kalor Greve, Jaclyn B. Caccese, Matthew P. Brancaleone

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Collegiate marching artists face severe and prevalent stressors that may contribute to poor mental health and unhealthy habits. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sex and years of participation in collegiate marching band on the relationship between eating disorder risk and perceived stress levels. Methods: Marching artists from an NCAA Division I university completed the Eating Disorder Questionnaire-6 (EDEQ-6) and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to obtain disordered eating behaviors and perceived stress levels, respectively. Spearman rank correlations were used to determine the relationship between PSS-10 scores and global and subscale EDEQ-6 scores, …

Barriers To The Implementation Of The Amsterdam 2022 Statement In The Secondary School Setting, Luis Torres, Jennifer L. Baldari, Fredrick A. Gardin, August M. Price

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction: Athletic trainers are reasonably expected to evolve their concussion management protocols to better align themselves with the recommendations found in the Amsterdam 2022 Statement. Secondary school athletic trainers may lack the time, training, or resources to actualize these recommendations within their protocols. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers associated with the implementation of the Amsterdam 2022 Statement recommendations in the secondary school setting. Methods: 89 secondary school ATs (44 males, 45 females) in the NATA District 1 and District 2 regions were provided with an electronic survey using Qualtrics (Qualtrics, Provo, UT), consisting of 6 …

Retention Of Cpr Knowledge And Skills Among Ncaa Division Iii Athletic Coaches: A Prospective Cohort Study, Allison Hanstine, Jaclyn Tate, Chyrsten Gessel

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Objective/Context: It is crucial for athletic coaches to be proficient in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) knowledge and skill performance for the health and safety of their athletes. This research aimed to assess CPR knowledge and CPR skill retention five months post-training among athletic coaches. In addition, the study assessed whether the number of years certified in CPR had an association with CPR skill performance scores five months post-training. Design and Setting: As a part of a master’s thesis, this prospective cohort study was performed over a five-month period to align with the research timeline. Participants: The study was conducted among 19 …

A Pilot Study: Effects Of 5-Week Hamstring Training On Functional Movement Screen Scores., Julie Landrigan, Colin Tomes

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Introduction. The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) can be used by clinicians to assess movement and asymmetries in their clients. Understanding FMS composite and subtest scores can be a useful way for clinicians to monitor risk of injury. The purpose of this study was to identify if eccentric hamstring stretching and Nordic hamstring curls could improve movement, FMS scores, and active straight leg raise range of motion. Methods. Participants consisted of a convenience sample of high-school athletes. All subjects participated in the intervention, performing the FMS screen pre- and post-Nordic curls and stretching. Results. This pilot study suggests that the …

Normative Performance Test Metrics In Professional Female Club Soccer, Andy Seraphin, Christi Edson, Cory Price, Barrett Jones, Amanda Jagielo, Justin Mullner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

Objective: To establish normative ranges in common performance tests for professional women’s club soccer. Setting:1^st division professional women’s soccer club in the United States

Participants: Twenty-eight healthy professional women’s soccer players (Age: 27.8 ± 5.1 years; Body Mass: 66.2 ± 6.7 kg). Main Outcome Measures: Countermovement Jump, Isometric Mid-Thigh Pull, and Nordic Hamstring Curl tests were performed to obtain lower body compound strength, power, and eccentric hamstring strength. Paired-samples t tests were used to determine between-limbs differences for each outcome measure. Results: Jump height had a mean of 28.9 ± 4.2 cm. Peak vertical force (IMTP) had a …

Relationship Between E-Sports And Physical Activity Participation: Validation Of The E-Sports Addiction Scale (Esas), Olivér Szabella, Lili Kassay, Attila Szabo

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: E-sports are becoming increasingly popular. Considering the addictive potential of video games, e-sports might be more addictive than traditional sports. This study assessed the addiction risk in regular e-sports players and its relationship with other physical exercise habits. Method: A sample of 116 (93.1% males; mean age = 23.91±4.47) e-sports players answered questions online on play and exercise habits and completed the E-sports Addiction Scale (ESAS) derived from the revised Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI-R). Results: The ESAS showed excellent model fit, allowing researchers to assess the risk of e-sports addiction in future studies. The risk rate of e-sports addiction …

Reliability And Criterion Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire, Kubra Ayse Dasdemir, Sinem Suner-Keklik, Gamze Cobanoglu, Nevin A. Guzel

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims to determine reliability and criterion validity of the Turkish version of the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ). Materials and methods: The study included 146 individuals aged 18–45 years. Translation and cultural adaptation of the questionnaire was performed with regard to an appropriate procedure. Test–retest reliability was analyzed in terms of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For assessment of validity of the questionnaire, the criterion validity method was used. Criterion validity was evaluated using a pedometer, which is an objective measurement tool. The correlation between the total number of steps recorded during a week and RPAQ scores was …

The Athletes’ Plate: Understanding Influences Of Athletes’ Eating Attitudes, Exercise Behaviors, And Body Image Satisfaction, Delanie Patterson, Brooklynn Raacke, Ryssa Schlaefli

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Delanie Patterson¹, Brooklynn Raacke¹, and Ryssa Schlaefli²

¹Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University

²Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University

Faculty Sponsors: Brooke Mann¹, Ph.D. and Jessica Phelan², Ph.D.

¹Department of Psychology, Fort Hays State University

²Department of Health and Human Performance, Fort Hays State University

Hays, Kansas

Introduction: Disordered eating (DE), compulsive exercise (CE), and body image satisfaction (BIS) negatively affect male and female athletes. These variables each have a core symptomology but continue to evolve with the increased usage of social …

Resolution Of Pain At Night And Improved Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy, Evan T. Zheng, Koya Osada, Jillian L. Mazzocca, Natalie A. Lowenstein, Jamie E. Collins, Elizabeth G. Matzkin

SKMC Student Presentations and Publications

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) is performed for symptomatic meniscal tears that fail conservative treatment. Patients often report pain at night, although little research has been done to evaluate corresponding outcomes.

PURPOSE: To (1) evaluate patients with and without preoperative nighttime pain who underwent APM and (2) assess postoperative resolution of symptoms and associated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs).

STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing primary APM with or without chondroplasty at a tertiary academic center were prospectively enrolled in a database. Patient characteristics and PROMs were obtained pre- and postoperatively up to 2 years-including …

Influence Of Height And Reach On Fight-Ending Punches In The Ultimate Fighting Championship™ Mixed Martial Arts Promotion, Oliver R. Barley, Shayne Vial, Mark Scanlan, Liam C. Tapsell, Corey Wilson, Julian Giustiniano, Matthew G. Plush, Colin S. Doherty

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In mixed martial arts, punches commonly lead to a knockout (KO) or technical knockout (TKO), though factors influencing such punches are unclear. This study assessed how differences in height, reach, and combined difference (height + reach) influence fight-ending punches. We analysed 264 Ultimate Fighting Championship contests that concluded with a KO/TKO from hooks, straights, uppercuts, or overhand punches. Three multinomial logistic regression analyses assessed the influence of (a) reach, (b) height and (c) combined difference on likelihood of punch type, with overhand punches as the reference category. Pairwise comparisons for punch type were conducted, and probability differences were compared across …

Effects Of Hiit In Cool And Hot On Temperate Performance And Physiological Response In Trained Cyclists, Jason R. Boynton, Jeremiah J. Peiffer, Chris R. Abbiss

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigated cardiopulmonary responses in hot and cool high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and the subsequent effects on time-trial (TT) performance and physiological responses in temperate conditions. Twenty trained cyclists were separated into 2 groups and completed a 4-week HIIT intervention (8 sessions, 5 × 4 minute) at an environmental temperature (TA) of either 13° C (HIIT13) or 35° C (HIIT35). Cardiorespiratory data (e.g., heart rate [HR] and time above 90% Vo2max [T > 90% Vo2max]) were assessed for the first and last interval sessions. Infjects completed 20 km TTs in temperate conditions (22° C) before (TT1) and after (TT2) HIIT …

Effects On Force, Velocity, Power, And Muscle Activation Of Resistances With Variable Inertia Generated By Programmable Electromechanical Motors During Explosive Chest Press Exercises, Luca Zoffoli, Silvano Zanuso, Andrea Biscarini

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Strength training machines incorporating advanced electro-mechanical technologies can produce hybrid resistances with variable inertia, such as a resistance that progressively changes from gravitational (inertial) to pneumatic (non-inertial) across the range of motion (ROM). To explore the biomechanical effects of these innovative resistances, a robotic chest press machine was programmed to offer three distinct inertial profiles: gravitational-type constant inertia throughout the ROM (IFULL); no inertia (IZERO); and linearly descending inertia across the ROM (IVAR). Ten healthy adults performed five maximal-effort, explosive chest press movements under each inertial profile at 30, 50 and 70% of their one-repetition maximum. During each trial, muscle …

Walking Performance Is Worse In Black Than White People With Multiple Sclerosis, Robert W. Motl, Deborah Backus, Jeffrey R. Hebert, Alexander V. Ng, Kevin K. Mccully, Whitney N. Neal, Hollie Schmidt, Robert Mcburney, Prudence Plummer, Francois Bethoux, John Lowman, Gary R. Cutter

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Background

There is emerging evidence for poor health outcomes among Black people with MS, and Black people with MS may have worse walking performance than White counterparts.

Purpose

The current study examined if Black participants with MS had slower walking speed (timed 25-foot walk, T25FW) and shorter walking distance (six-minute walk, 6MW) than White participants, and if these differences were accounted for by demographic variables, physical activity, disease/clinical characteristics, and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH).

Method

The analysis included samples of Black (N = 105) and White (N = 246) participants with MS who completed the T25FW and 6MW, underwent …

The Relationship Between Individualised Speed Thresholds And Changes In Aerobic Fitness In Elite Professional Youth Soccer Players. A Case Study, Ronan Kavanagh, Kevin Mcdaid, David Rhodes, Jill Alexander, Damian Harper, Rafael Oliveira, Kieran Berry, Mark Connor, Piotr Zmijewski, Ryland Morgans

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to examine the dose-response relationship between training load and aspects of physical fitness in English Premier League (EPL) U23 soccer players. Materials and Methods: Seven male EPL U23 outfield soccer players (age 20.1±1.1 years) participated in this study and performed the Bronco test on five occasions within one season. Individualised running thresholds were employed using maximal aerobic speed (MAS), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) and maximal sprint speed (MSS) values utilising a GPS system. Results: No significant differences in the Bronco performance between the tests (p > 0.05, ES = 0.101) were observed. Distance covered above 30% …

The Correlation Between The Amount Of Weight Gain And Physical Activity Levels In Depot Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (Dmpa) Users, Zumroh Hasanah, Desiana Merawati, Raja Mohammed Firhad Raja Azidin, Dessy Amelia, Alifia Candra Puriastuti, Rizqie Putri Novembriani, Nurya Viandika, Putri Nurika Dewi

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: DMPA is a widely used contraceptive in Indonesia due to its accessibility and effectiveness. However, side effects such as weight gain are a concern, with more than 90% of the 600 users in 2022-2023 experiencing them. Objective: This study aimed to examine the correlation between the amount of weight gain and physical activity levels in DMPA users. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with consecutive sampling, involving 82 women (aged 19-51 years, average weight 58 kg) selected using the Slovin formula. Data were collected through structured interviews and questionnaires covering demographics, medical history, and physical activity level based …

Development Of A Futsal Sports Curriculum Model Aged 6-8 Years At The Super Junior Club In Malang City, Dwi Novenda, Prisca Widiawati

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: The lack of a structured futsal curriculum for children aged 6-8 years in futsal clubs, especially in Super Junior Club Malang, causes limitations in developing techniques, skills, and long-term athlete development. Objective: This is for developing a futsal curriculum model at the Super Junior Club of Malang City, which is presented as a curriculum for learning. Methods: The research and development model used in the study is to develop a curriculum model. Development research This uses the ADDIE method with steps study as follows: 1) analysis, 2) design, 3) development, 4) implementation, and 5) evaluation. This is done using …

The Synergistic Effects Of Circuit Training And Diet On Weight Loss, Body Fat Percentage, And Bmi In Obese Indonesian Females: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Ali Muthahhari Rahim, Ahmad Nasrulloh

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Despite the popularity of circuit training and dietary interventions, their combined effects on obese Southeast Asian populations remain underexplored.  Objective: This study aims to examine the effects of circuit training (using free weights and body weight) and dietary interventions (low-calorie diet and intermittent fasting using the OCD method), as well as their interaction, on weight loss, body fat percentage, and body mass index in obese individuals. Methods: This type of research is an experiment using a 2 x 2 factorial design. This experimental study used four groups that received different treatments, namely the provision of circuit training with free …

Wearable Technology For Cardiovascular Performance: A Systematic Review Of Smartwatch Applications In Fitness Training, Moch. Yunus, Nanang Tri Wahyudi, Ronal Surya Aditya, Alifia Candra Puriastuti, Daifallah M. Alrazeeni, Gadis Meinar Sari, Farsya Hidayah Septiananda, Lintang Nirmalasari Gemalochaya Manggolono

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Wearable technologies such as smartwatches have revolutionized cardiovascular fitness training through real-time monitoring and personalized exercise interventions. However, the effectiveness of smartwatch apps in improving cardiovascular performance still needs to be systematically evaluated.  Objective: This study aims to assess the contribution of smartwatch apps in improving cardiovascular fitness training using a systematic review based on the PRISMA framework. Methods: The research questions were designed using the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) model. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Crossref, focusing on articles published in 2020-2025 that met the inclusion criteria. Result: …

The Effects Of Competitive Plyometric Training On Speed, Strength, And Defensive Skills Of Handball Players, Abbas Abdulhamza Kadhem

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: The importance of this research lies in preparing handball players with enhanced physical and skill capabilities through modern methods such as competitive plyometric training. The study was motivated by observed performance inconsistencies among Iraqi handball teams, particularly a decline in players' physical and technical execution toward the end of matches. This issue is attributed to the use of traditional training programs, which fail to develop the players’ physical fitness and technical performance adequately.  Objective: This study examines the effects of competitive plyometric training on handball players' speed, strength, and defensive skills. Methods: The research was driven by the observation …

Escape From Diabetes, J E. Jochum, J Carmack, J Toon

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: In the past decade, interprofessional education (IPE) to promote interprofessional collaborative practice has become an integral component of pre-licensure education in the health professions. Research shows that IPE activities involving problem-solving in patient care that requires cooperation and communication among the professions is most effective. An effective activity to meet interprofessional competencies is the use of escape rooms. Escape rooms are team-based games where groups of individuals solve puzzles to accomplish a specific goal, typically in a limited amount of time. There are many benefits to using escape rooms in education, including promoting problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, improving focus …

Modification Of Ergonomics For A World-Class Brass Instrumentalist With A Congenital Limb Difference: Level 3 Case, O G. Newhouse

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Background: A drum and bugle corps is a musical marching organization that consists of approximately 160 brass, percussion, and color guard performers. There are currently twenty-one drum corps organizations at the world-class level that compete. Organizations learn their 8–10-minute show in the late spring and begin traveling the country performing and competing in the early summer until August. Rehearsal days can be up to 10 hours of practice including visual and music. It has been reported that the incidence of upper limb pain is higher in those who have longer practice times, in which is a symptom of overuse. These …

The Effects Of A Joint Reduction Trainer On Confidence Levels In Professional Athletic Training Students, T Franklin, S Hacherl

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Dislocations are common injuries managed by athletic trainers, yet athletic training students are unlikely to practice reduction techniques during clinical experiences. Current standards set by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education require accredited programs to prepare students to manage patients with dislocations, including joint reductions. Research indicates the use of simulation techniques, such as joint reduction simulators, in education can fill clinical experience gaps and improve student confidence and skills. Shoulder dislocations make up nearly 50% of dislocations with several reduction techniques identified in the current literature. The use of a joint reduction simulator may provide athletic …

Barriers To The Implementation Of The Amsterdam 2022 Statement In The Secondary School Setting, L Torres, J L. Baldari, F A. Gardin, A M. Price

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: The Amsterdam 2022 International Consensus Statement on Concussion in Sport provides a summary of contemporary best practice recommendations for healthcare providers who are involved in the care of athletes at risk of sport-related concussion (SRC). Given that athletic trainers (ATs) have a professional responsibility to continually educate themselves on topics of great importance to the population that they care for, such as SRC management, it is reasonable to expect them to evolve their concussion management protocols to better align themselves with the recommendations found this statement. The purpose of this study was to identify the barriers associated with the …

Using Ai-Generated Scenarios To Enhance Learning Of The Emergency Assessment Process, D Cobble, L Schroeder, J Vaughn, S Ford

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Rigorous accreditation standards require students to demonstrate competency in various clinical proficiencies through clinical practice or simulation-based educational activities. Therefore, simulation has become an integral component of athletic training education, as scenarios can provide realistic and reproducible experiences for all students. To that end, our study had two primary objectives: investigate the ability of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate accurate and realistic athletic training simulation scenarios and evaluate AI's effectiveness in teaching and reinforcing the emergency assessment process through student-created scenarios. Methods: Phase one, AI developed three different scenarios for patients experiencing (1) an ovarian cyst, (2) a hypoglycemic …

Athletic Trainer Compensation Characteristics, J P. Young, K Ef Mair, L E. Eberman

Clinical Practice in Athletic Training

Introduction: Athletic trainers (ATs) are integral to healthcare yet face ongoing challenges that affect job satisfaction and retention. Factors such as long work hours, low pay, and work-family conflict contribute to dissatisfaction and a desire to leave the profession. Salary disparities and lack of administrative support are key factors impacting professional fulfillment and career longevity. Identifying how compensation influences job satisfaction is essential for improving retention and advancing the profession. Our study aimed to examine the compensation characteristics of ATs and determine the key factors that predict gross income. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted. The survey was validated …